Top payment methods in Thailand: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Thailand? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Thailand, with a population of around 70.33 million people, has a GDP of approximately 546.22 billion making it the 30th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB)
The economy is driven by manufacturing (automotive, electronics), tourism, and agricultural exports. It is a founding member of ASEAN and APEC, maintaining strong economic relationships with China, Japan, and the United States.
| Country | Thailand |
|---|---|
| Population | 70.33 million |
| GDP (USD) | 546.22 billion |
| Global Ranking | 30th |
| Currency | Thai Baht (THB) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Thailand?
The Thai payment system has been transformed by PromptPay, a government-backed real-time transfer service that has made QR code payments ubiquitous, allowing payments and transfers using just a phone number or citizen ID. Physical cash, the Baht, is still very common, especially at street markets and for transport. E-wallets like TrueMoney and Rabbit LINE Pay are also popular for convenience store payments, bill payments, and transportation.
How to pay in Thailand
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Thailand.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| QR Payments (PromptPay) | QR code payments via the national PromptPay system are a dominant payment method. Users of any major banking or wallet app can pay seamlessly at millions of merchants. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Real-time bank transfers, often via a mobile banking app, are an extremely popular method for both e-commerce and P2P payments. | Online |
| Cash (Thai Baht) | Cash is still a very important and widely used payment method, especially for street food, local markets, and in rural areas. | In-person |
| Cards (Debit/Credit) | Cards are a common payment method, particularly in modern retail, department stores, and for online shopping. | Online/In-person |
Traveling beyond Thailand? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Thailand?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Thailand.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.